"For the first time the HEEPS loans scheme will be open to housing associations. This will help ensure their homes meet the higher standards for energy efficiency that have been set by the Scottish Government.

"Last year more than £8 million was saved in fuel bills thanks to the HEEPS scheme, covering 30,000 households.

"Since 2009 we have allocated over half a billion pounds on a raft of measures to help the most vulnerable people in our society heat their homes affordably."